The Guardian of the Space-Time Channel (Part One)

"Everyone, line up for inspection!"

The guards at Maire City's gates were conducting the strictest possible inspections of the faithful coming and going. Light Priests continually sprinkled holy water to keep Dark Witchers from slipping into the city.

"Wow, so this is Maire City!"

In a family of four devout believers, the little girl gazed around in wonder. This was her first pilgrimage.

Diluted holy water, imbued with a faint trace of divine power, sprinkled across the girl's face. She felt a little chill and smiled innocently at the old man beside her, who was carrying a hoe.

"Grandpa, are you going on a pilgrimage too?"

The old man said nothing, only nodding with a chuckle.

The guards continued inspecting the crowds entering and leaving the city. The family of four, visiting Maire City for the first time, marveled at its bustling streets, dazzled by all they saw.

"Lili, don't go running off. This place..."

"Kehehehehe!"

A dry, evil laugh suddenly came from beside them. The little girl, holding her mother's hand, turned to look—and saw the most terrifying sight of her life.

It was the hunched old man she had just greeted!

Sizzle...

The holy water sprinkled by the priest landed on his skin, sending up black smoke as if it had been burned. His body, altered by witchcraft, showed through beneath his skin as black fur sprouted from his flesh!

"He's a Witcher!"

"Sound the alarm!"

The priest shouted and struck a prayerful pose, summoning the great Power of Light from the void. A gentle glow gradually emanated from his hands, radiant with holiness and purity.

But that little bit of Power of Light was far too weak to threaten this Witcher.

"Hehehehe."

The Witcher's burned skin smoked as he laughed sinisterly. He evaporated the holy water on